Charlevoix area Toys for Tots campaign in full swing

December 01, 2012|Steve Zucker, Charlevoix Courier Editor

CHARLEVOIX — Large boxes wrapped in Christmas paper and banners with the well-know train engine logo have appeared at businesses and other locations all over the Charlevoix area recently heralding the start of this year's Toys for Tots campaign.

Since 1947, U.S Marines have collected toys at Christmas time and distributed delivered them to less fortunate children.

In the Charlevoix area, the Toys for Tots program is overseen by the Northern Michigan Marine Corps League #690 representing the Marine Corps Reserve.

Boxes for the collection of new, unwrapped toys have been placed at about 30 area businesses and organizations. Organizers suggest contributions such as toys, batteries, wrapping paper, or personal items such as backpacks, books, games, sleeping bags.

Those wishing to contribute to this year's Toys for Tots campaign, should have their donations placed in a collection box by Saturday, Dec. 15.

The toys and other items will be distributed through the Charlevoix Community Christmas program, which will conduct it's distribution day on Friday, Dec. 21.

Charlevoix Elementary School will again be conducting a penny drive to help purchase toys as well.

Fox Motors in Charlevoix is again running a promotion to help encourage donations to Toys For Tots. Not only will Fox Motors match each toy donation, but it will also offer those who donate a toy at any Northern Michigan Fox location a voucher good for two free passes to the Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark in Traverse City. Through last year's Fox Motors promotion more than 1,600 toys were donated to Charlevoix Area Children.

For more information about the Toys for Tots program, contact, Russell Bolt, at (231) 547-4855.